Culture shock rating

Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.

Low

Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.

Medium

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.

High

You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Low

Physicality

Physical rating

Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.

Low

Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.

Medium

Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

High

Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

Low

TOUR SNAPSHOT

“”

Very knowledgeable and helpful on the tour and provided additional information for our own travels

Mrs. Kathryn B., Australia - 07 Apr 2018

Celicia was amazing! She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure our experience was one of a kind. In fact, she even provided my wife and I with recommendations for Toledo, which we were originally not going to travel to, but I'm glad we did. We had such a positive experience on this tour we booked one for Marrakesh. Thanks again Celicia!

Mr. Michael H., USA - 07 Mar 2018

We loved the tour it gave us the chance to taste food from all over Spain, not just the tipical Paella and it gave a us a new perspective on spanish cuisine. Also, our guide Cecilia gave us lots of tips and info from the city!

Mr. Maria R., Colombia - 14 Aug 2017

Tour snapshot

Fact: Spanish people love to eat. If you want to experience the real Madrid, take a tip from us: do as the locals do and nibble and chomp your way through the city. From Madrid’s oldest taverns to its modern hip hangouts, this is your chance to indulge in the most delectable cuisine – tapas. And hey, we’ll even teach you some pro tapas tips along the way, the ultimate souvenir to take home with you! Start practicing your humble brag…

Highlights

Discover the secrets of the Spanish tapas culture

Taste samples of tapas while you enjoy the lively Madrid bar atmosphere in three different neighbourhoods

Explore Spain’s culinary scene from the perspective of a local

Get a taste for Madrid’s culinary history, mixing up the modern gourmet market scene, historical taverns, and new trendy tapas bars

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one drink and tapa at each stop (5 tasting stops).

Schedule details

Duration: 4 hours

Meeting point:

Plaza de la Villa, at the statue in the middle of the square.

Starting time: 7.00 PM

Ending point:

Puerta del Sol

FULL ITINERARY

Begin your Madrid tapas tour at a popular market right in the centre of the city, the perfect place to cosy up to Madrid’s food scene. Here, your local tour leader will give you an introduction to Spanish food, and the jewel in Spain’s foodie crown – tapas. Learn about the history of this tasty cuisine over some of the most typical tapas dishes you will find all over the city and country as a whole. Because we all learn best by trying things for ourselves, right?

As we continue our tapas adventure in Madrid, we’ll head to a typical beach bar of the south — known to as a “chiringuito” — where we’ll be introduced to a few fish dishes and learn a bit about sustainable fishing. Then, to help you digest some of the treats we’ve just tried, we’ll take a walk across the main square, then onwards to the oldest restaurant in the world, getting a history lesson from your local guide as we go.

Next, we’ll head to one of the most important old neighbourhoods in the city, La Latina, where we’ll visit a traditional “Copla” (heritage folk music) tavern. There, we’ll sample a seafood delicatessen recipe from the north of Spain, along with some organic wines from small family-operated wineries.

Depending on the day, we may also have the chance to try some tapas and wine while overlooking the sunset from a rooftop terrace. We’ll also head to the Huertas neighbourhood, where we’ll stop at Madrid’s most famed draught beer bar — the team there are experts the city’s craft beer scene!

Then, it’s back to the 18th century, as we finish our Madrid tour in a historical sherry bar — you’ll feel like time has stopped in this place that maintains the same atmosphere from 100 years ago.

We’ll say our goodbyes in Puerta del Sol, the central square of Madrid, where you can either go back to your hotel or continue the night along! If you want to keep going, you’re in the perfect spot to explore other neighbourhoods such as Chueca or Malasaña. Just ask your local guide and they’ll lead you to them!

Additional information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one drink and tapa at each stop (5 tasting stops).

Dress standard: Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. We recommend you bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat during the summer months

Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.
Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.

Additional Information: If you have any allergies to certain foods, please let us know in advance by noting it in the ‘Additional Request’ section of the booking or by emailing info@madridurbanadventures.com.

Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

Traveller rating

Rating summary

Mrs. Kathryn B. from Australia travelled on 07 Apr 2018

Very knowledgeable and helpful on the tour and provided additional information for our own travels

Mr. Michael H. from USA travelled on 07 Mar 2018

Celicia was amazing! She was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to ensure our experience was one of a kind. In fact, she even provided my wife and I with recommendations for Toledo, which we were originally not going to travel to, but I'm glad we did. We had such a positive experience on this tour we booked one for Marrakesh. Thanks again Celicia!

Mr. Maria R. from Colombia travelled on 14 Aug 2017

We loved the tour it gave us the chance to taste food from all over Spain, not just the tipical Paella and it gave a us a new perspective on spanish cuisine. Also, our guide Cecilia gave us lots of tips and info from the city!

Ms. Debra K. from Australia travelled on 12 May 2017

We thoroughly enjoyed our Tapas Tour with Andrea, who was a terrific guide. I wasn't particularly keen on some of the tapas (the calamares bocadillo and cod croquettes in particular - have had much better elsewhere), but this didn't detract too much from my overall enjoyment of the tour.

Mrs. Gail L. from Australia travelled on 11 Apr 2017

Had an amazing time, Andrea was awesome, I will definitely like to do more Urban Adventure and also will look at these as gift ideas.

Mr. Lisa Rose P. from Canada travelled on 11 Mar 2017

Great to visit bars and taste foods I wouldn't have as a tourist. Andrea the guide was great

Mr. Neil C. from Canada travelled on 21 Feb 2017

We had a very enjoyable evening with Andrea and being a small group allowed us to get the most of her knowledge of the local customs and area.

Mr. Paul H. from USA travelled on 30 Oct 2016

I spent three days in Madrid and this by far was the biggest highlight!!

Cecilia was our tour guide and she is absolutely the best. She is fun and very knowledgeable. Her enthusiasm is infectious. Everyone in our group enjoyed Cecilia and the tour. We had a perfect variety of Tapas that are from various types of historical venues. Everything we ate and drank were delicious. You will not walk away hungry.

Throughout the tour you will learn a lot about the culture and sites of Madrid. This is a must do and I will recommend to all friends and family visiting Madrid. Five Stars!

Ms. Pam S. from Australia travelled on 13 Oct 2016

David was a fantastic guide! The places we went were great and David went to a lot of trouble to keep my non alcohol drinking son happy. Best urban adventure trip yet!

Ms. Lucy W. from Australia travelled on 26 Sep 2016

I absolutely loved this tour and will recommend to everyone I know heading to Madrid. David was fantastic, I was well fed by the end of it (And I have a massive appetite so I was expecting to still be a little hungry) and I learned things about a city I've already visited 4 times.

Ms. Erina P. from New Zealand travelled on 24 Sep 2016

David was a delightful guide - knowledgeable and great fun. Good to get off the tourist track and experience other parts of Madrid. Tapas were delicious and varied. Really good for orientation to Madrid.

Mr. Tim W. from Australia travelled on 29 Aug 2016

We loved the Madrid Market and Tapas tour, and Cecilia was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Personally I found the amount of food too much, but others in the group managed it, and overall it was a great introduction to food specialities from all over Spain

Mr. Erica W. from Australia travelled on 15 Aug 2016

Fabulous. Cecilia was an awesome guide, a must do if you are in Madrid, thanks for a great experience.

Mr. peter g. from Australia travelled on 13 Aug 2016

Cecelia was very professional and great fun, thanks for an amazing experience, Pete and Debs

Mr. Arlene B. from Australia travelled on 22 Jul 2016

Our private tapas tour with Cecilia was fantastic! She was very knowledgeable and very personable. She took us to the best of the best places with high quality food and drinks! Make sure you come hungry, although you do get to walk it off! Excellent tour that is highly recommended and well worth the money.

Ms. Jennifer H. from Australia travelled on 27 Jun 2016

This was the best travel experience I have ever had. It was a fantastically fun night. Our tour guide Inez was delightful. The food was amazing, drinks were delicious and her knowledge and experience of Madrid, unmatched. Her accommodation of my coeliac disease was much appreciated. Loved this tour, it was exceptional.

Mr. Stefanie R. from Australia travelled on 15 Jun 2016

Our guide was excellent! Thank you very much!

Mr. Patrick M. from Australia travelled on 02 Jun 2016

Cecelia was fantastic.

Mrs. Renee S. from USA travelled on 04 May 2016

Our tour guide, Inez, was fabulous. She made us feel very comfortable and her English skill are fantastic. The tour was so much fun. I'm worried if I do this again in another city I might be disappointed because it would be hard to surpass this experience, but I will try another Urban Adventure again sometime.

Ms. Jan B. from United Kingdom travelled on 28 Apr 2016

What a great tour! Ines was brilliant and enthusiastic and great fun. We got to try all kinds of things in all kinds of interesting bars. Loved it.

Ms. Kerri R. from Germany travelled on 25 Apr 2016

Loved it!

Mr. stephen r. from United Kingdom travelled on 18 Mar 2016

Cecilia is a knowledgeable and charming host. I travelled alone so this trip was perfect. She makes everyone feel at ease and we all had a great time. I really would recommend it.

Ms. Sarah E. from United Kingdom travelled on 04 Nov 2014

Thoroughly enjoyed and very good value for money

Ms. linda t. from travelled on 26 Aug 2014

Clara was fantastic. Knowledgeable, interesting and fun. We would recommend her to anyone interested in food and history of Madrid. Linda